英文裡有一句俚語”Beggars can’t be choosers(乞丐沒得挑)”,就是指即使自己並不喜歡或滿意,但畢竟是有求於人,當然是有什麼算什麼,也就是我們中文裡常說的「人在屋簷下,不得不低頭」的意思了。 另外,”Beggars can’t be choosers” 也有「飢不擇食」的意思,端看語句的前後脈絡來做翻譯。
Steve:Dear, I was just wondering if you could
possibly spare some of your precious time with me next week? Steve:親愛的,我在想不知道下個禮拜有沒有可能把一些你寶貴的時間留給我呢?
Stella:Wow, I’ve never seen you talking like this in
my whole life. Stella:哇,我這輩子從沒聽你這樣說過話呢。
Steve:I really hope you could help me with my
presentation. It’s a matter of life and death.
Steve:我非常希望你能協助我的簡報。這可是攸關生死的大事呢。
Stella:No worry. Of course I will help you. The only
problem is timing. Stella:別擔心。我會幫你的。問題是時間方面。
Steve:You’re not around next week? Steve:你下禮拜不在嗎?
Stella: I am. It’s just I’ve got some important things
to sort out next week and I’m afraid the only time I’m available is Friday
evening. Stella:我在啊。只是我有幾件重要的事情要處理,我恐怕只有禮拜五晚上才能幫你。
Steve:No problem at all. Steve:沒問題啊。
Stella: But don’t you normally go out with your girl
friend on Friday evening? Every time when we asked you out on Friday evening,
you could never make it.
Stella:可是禮拜五晚上你不是都要陪女友嗎?之前每次找你一起出去,你從來就沒答應過。
Steve:It’s different this time. You are doing me a
big favor and of course it needs to fit your schedule. Steve:這次不同啊。是你在幫我大忙,當然要配合你的時間囉。
Stella:Just like they always say “beggars can’t be
choosers!”
問:英文成語beggars can't be choosers中文往往譯做「飢不擇食」,但這兩句成語的意思,似乎有點不同,先生認為怎樣? 答:中英成語,很少是絕對同義的。「飢不擇食」是指「需要急迫,顧不得細加選擇」; beggars can't be choosers本作 beggars must not be choosers,直譯是「討飯的不能挑肥揀瘦」,可以有「飢不擇食」的意思,但也可以有「飢餓就不要選擇了」的規勸含義
If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of
the sea, 要是你發現自己深陷海中央 I'll sail the world to find you 我會航遍全世界找到你
If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and
you can't see, 要是你發現自己迷失於黑暗中無法看清 I'll be the light to guide you 我會變成光線指引你
Find out what we're made of 了解我們有何真本事及 What we are called to help our friends in
need 天職幫助患難中的朋友
You can count on me like 1 2 3 你可以依靠我,就像1, 2, 數到3 I'll be there 我就會出現 And I know when I need it I can count on you
like 4 3 2 而我知道我有需要時,我可以依靠你,就像倒數4,3,2 you'll be there 你就會出現 Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh
yeah 因為那本來就是朋友該做的事,喔耶
嗚~~~ ,嗚~~~ 耶耶
If you're tossin' and you're turnin and you just
can't fall asleep 要是你輾轉反側不能成眠 I'll sing a song beside you 我會在你身旁為你唱首歌 And if you ever forget how much you really mean
to me 要是你遺忘了你對我的重要性 Everyday I will remind you 我會每天提醒你
Oh 喔 Find out what we're made of 了解我們有何真本事及 What we are called to help our friends in
need 天職幫助患難中的朋友
You can count on me like 1 2 3 I'll be there And I know when I need it I can count on you
like 4 3 2 you'll be there Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh
yeah
嗚~~~ ,嗚~~~ 耶耶
You'll always have my shoulder when you
cry 你永遠可以在我的肩頭哭泣 I'll never let go 我絕不放開 Never say goodbye 絕不說再見
You can count on me like 1 2 3 I'll be there And I know when I need it I can count on you
like 4 3 2 you'll be there Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh
yeah 嗚~ 嗚~ you can count on me cos' I can count on
you 因為我可以依靠你,所以你可以依靠我